THE barbaric Yulin dog meat festival went ahead as planned last June 22 despite growing protests from within China and around the world. AnimalsAsia Foundation, one of the groups that campaigned heavily against the event, reported that about 2,000 dogs – most of them stolen companion animals or strays – were tortured and brutally slaughtered for the table.

DOGS, MANY STOLEN FROM THEIR OWNERS, WERE CRAMMED IN CAGES FOR THE YULIN DOG MEAT FESTIVAL. (Photo from AnimalsAsia Foundation)

But the event was far smaller in scale than previous years thanks to the widespread criticism. More than 130,000 people from around the globe signed our open letter to the dog meat traders, and Chinese people of all ages took to social media in their thousands to protest against the slaughter.Jill Robinson MBE, AnimalsAsia founder and CEO, said Yulin authorities distanced themselves from the event by strengthening supervision of the market and banning the slaughter of dogs on the street. They also prevented restaurants from advertising dog meat. She said more officials are seriously concerned with the widespread theft of dogs and the transport of caged and sick dogs that clearly adds to the threat of rabies and other diseases.

SOME DOG EATERS WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE GRUESOME YULIN DOG MEAT FESTIVAL WERE PHOTOGRAPHED HERE COVERING THEIR FACES. (Photo from AnimalsAsia Foundation)

But 2,000 dogs are still far too many, and they are just the tip of the iceberg – up to 10 million dogs are slaughtered each year in China for their meat and fur. AnimalsAsia's Cat and Dog Welfare team is working with city authorities and local animal welfare groups around China to:* Promote animal protection laws and the banning of the sale, transportation and slaughter of dogs for their meat as soon as possible.* Encourage the government to strengthen supervision and law enforcement in each link of the industry chain, including stronger penalties for stealing and poisoning dogs, banning the existing illegal slaughter and trade of dogs, and intensified supervision over illicit trafficking of dogs.* Encourage the public to recognise that by consuming dogs they are encouraging theft and other crimes and also risking their own health.* Encourage city authorities and local animal welfare groups around China to introduce humane population management and vaccination programs.“We are doing all we can to stop the slaughter and we are seeing real progress. But there’s still much to do – and we’re going to need your help every step of the way,” said Robinson in a statement.